Toto Wolff blasts Formula 1’s Monaco GP pit stop rule, calling it worse than real racing, despite the event’s glamorous off-track appeal.
Toto Wolff criticises Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix, calling the two-stop pit rule worse than real racing despite the event’s spectacle.
Toto Wolff was not pleased with the Monaco race that featured two mandatory pit stops. The Mercedes F1 team principal expressed frustration over a decision that changed little, especially for his drivers who started 14th and 15th on the grid.
George Russell was very critical of the two-stop decision, and while the Austrian was more diplomatic in his phrasing, he believes the Monaco Grand Prix is more of an off-track spectacle than an on-track sporting event.
“I don’t think they’re genuinely happy. There was nothing to play for; the only chance to score points was hoping for a red flag or a retirement. Even by going long or stopping early, there was no opportunity,” said Wolff, who was critical of the on-track show created by this rule.
“It’s bad. It’s worse than a single stop. We need to look at what we can do next year. But on the other hand, the show is fantastic. There are so many people on terraces and boats.”
Did he condemn what he saw today?
“No. But something had to be tried. I look at things from a different angle. It’s a fantastic show. The grandstands were full. There were spectators everywhere, in the stands and on the boats. A lot of spectacle, good food and good wine.”
“Saturday is when the sport comes alive. On Sunday, we tried something, but it didn’t work. We might need to find a rule for next year, with a maximum lap time to avoid this situation.”
“This is an exception. You can drive slowly. You can avoid taking risks and, if you’re in front, you can control the pace. Lando set the fastest lap at the end on 30-lap-old tyres. For the sport, for Sunday, we can do better and find a solution.”
Wolff even smiled at one point.
“James Vowles (Williams Team Principal) texted me during the race. He said, ‘I’m sorry, we had no choice with what happened ahead with Racing Bulls.’ I replied, ‘We know.'”
“James is one of my former guys, and I don’t want to sound condescending, because he’s making a name for himself as a team principal and doing a great job. He had to do it. You know, when you have two cars in the points like he did, that’s what you’ve got to do.”
Wolff appreciates what the event represents for F1 and reminds us that qualifying is more thrilling: “Basically, it’s an unmissable event. Yes, the race is decided on Saturday here, it’s always been that way. Once again, we’ll see what we can change for next year, but I think the show is very good.”
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